How to create "Matrix"

[pani765]

Hello,

I am trying to create a matrix in access and I am not sure how to go about doing this. I am trying to create a Test Matrix, which consist of series of sample and series of different tests.

Tables:

tblMatrix - Summary of Matrix like description and specification information.
tblSample - Different Sample to undergo this test matrix
tblTests - Tests Selected for this matrix
tblSampleTest - show what tests each sample goes through and in what order. Not all sample have to go through all the tests.

So it should look like this:

Test 1 2 3 4 5
-----------------------------------------
Test1 1 2 3
Test2 2 1 1 2
Test3 3 1 2
Test4 4 3 1


The above means, sample 4 for example goes through test3 frist, then test2 and test 4.

So now my problem is I am not sure how to set up the forms to enter the data. They way I look at it, I can have one area where they select Tests, and enter individual samples. But I am not sure how to create this array so the users can enter the order information.

Ohh by the way Sample numbers (Column Header) are not the same for different matrix. So if I use cross-tab queries it will just give me error.

Please let me know if anyone has any ideas on how to tackle this task. Appreciate all the help.

Thanks,

 

[foundryqa]

pani765,

If I am following you, I would do the following:

1. Transpose your matrix. Samples should be the records (rows) and Test numbers should be the fields (columns).

2. Create a form with multiple textboxes that are bound to the table holding the data. I would have a textbox for each test 1 - 4. In that way the user can enter information for each test that the sample will need all at one time.

Hope that makes sense,

Fred

 

[pani765]

Fred,

1) Test Numbers are rows and samples are columns.

2) The user will select collection of test for this matrix from a list 25 different tests. So I am not sure using exact number of textboxes bound to each record works. IE. the size of the matrix is not always going to be 4x4.

 

[foundryqa]

pani765,

I realize that currently the test are rows and the samples are columns, but over time you will be adding more samples correct? If that is true, you will want them to be the records.

I agree with you that 25 text boxes is a bit much. I'm not real handy with the datagrid, but they may be a way to go. If the quantity of available tests are constant even though a sample will not use them all, I would recommend definitly making the fields (columns) the tests.

Fred